Petitioners,
We have a significant update in our fight for transparency regarding the Lakeside at Tessera development! We are thrilled to share that Shane R. Saum, Lago Vista City Council Place 1, has formally expressed support for an inquiry into potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).
Council Member Saum has sent a letter to The Honorable Ellen Troxclair, Texas House of Representatives, and The Honorable Donna Campbell, M.D., Texas State Senate, urging their offices to inquire with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. The concerns highlighted in the letter, which many of you have also raised, pertain to the disclosure of Public Improvement District (PID) assessments and the true nature of community amenities.
Specifically, residents have reported that amenities like parks and pools were marketed as private community features but are, in fact, public assets maintained by homeowners through HOA dues. This has led to confusion and a feeling of misrepresentation, as homeowners are bearing the full operational and maintenance costs for amenities accessible to the general public. The DTPA prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices, including misrepresenting the characteristics or benefits of goods or services. If developers failed to accurately disclose the public nature of these amenities or the financial obligations tied to them, this could constitute a DTPA violation.
This is a crucial step forward, demonstrating that our concerns are being heard at higher levels of government.
Upcoming City Council Meeting:
Even more good news! The City Council will be discussing our concerns regarding the dedicated parkland and the operation and maintenance of the pool at their next meeting on June 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM at City Hall. (Be there in-person - Save the Date!) Public comments are welcomed, and Council Member Saum hopes you will join in person or virtually. Our Bond Counsel will also be present to address questions and explore potential solutions.
Council Member Saum has also outlined additional key takeaways from the May 24th town hall, including:
Enhancing transparency for future developments by updating the City's website to list public amenities and parks and requiring developers to share marketing materials with the City to ensure accurate disclosures.
Addressing additional community concerns such as wildfire risks, pool operations, safety and maintenance, landscaping responsibilities, and construction debris.
This is a clear sign that our collective voice is making a difference! We are getting closer to victory! We will close this petition once we receive a response from District 19 and the Attorney General's office.
You can download a copy of the letter from Council Member Shane R. Saum here.
You can also find the Councilman's Tessera Town Hall Meeting Notes from the May 24th Tessera town hall here.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication!
Follow "Lakeside at Tessera Taxpayers" here
Follow "TesseraTaxPayers.org" here
Follow Councilman Shane R. Saum - Running for Mayor - here and here